Already rolling: Over $2,000 in prizes up for grabs in Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge

Conceived in 2017, the Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge returns for its second year, running from March 20 to June 1. The challenge highlights miles of Redding's natural beauty, and those who successfully complete the challenge have opportunities for prizes.
Wochit

Joel Kwiatkowski didn't waste time waiting for his competitors to catch up.

In March, the telecommunications consultant became the first person to complete the expert stage in the Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge, an initiative started by former Redding mayor, Brent Weaver.

Now in its second year, the challenge dares mountain bikers to complete a handful of trails specially mapped out for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

Each level of difficulty includes five or six Redding-area trails picked to highlight the area's scenic splendor. Last year, Weaver said about 270 people turned in "passports" showing they had completed at least one stage of trails.

"It seems like the community really enjoys it," Weaver said. "Those that come from out of town are enjoying it, and I just think it’s helping to shine a really bright light on one of the things that makes Redding unique and special."

This year, the challenge runs from March 20 to June 1. On the final day, riders will gather at Maxwell's Eatery in downtown Redding, where officials will hold a raffle for those who turned in completed passports.

Those who finished the expert trails will be entered into a raffle for a $1,000 gift card from a local bike shop, while those who finished the chosen intermediate- and beginner-level trails can win gift cards worth $750 and $500, respectively. Full maps and details are available at mayorsmtbchallenge.org.

For a serious rider like Kwiatkowski, who moved to Redding 20 years ago in part due to the outdoor opportunities, he said he plans on riding all 16 trails regardless of difficulty level. If Kwiatkowski wins the raffle, he said he'll use the prize money to buy bikes for two or three children.

Richard Christoph, another active cyclist in the area, also plans on competing in this year's challenge after completing all intermediate-level trails last year. Christoph said Redding trails boast some magnificent views and called buying his first mountain bike in 1983 the best investment he ever made.

"Some people view it as a sport, I view it as recreation," Cristoph said. "It’s just a great way to get out and see the backcountry. And you can cover a lot more territory than you could ever do on foot."

Mike Berg, who worked as an electrical engineer in the Bay Area, was out at Churn Creek Greenway on Tuesday, one of five beginner-level trails. Berg said Redding's trails are one of the city's big attractions.

"We’ve had this explosion of trails built in the past 7 or 8 years," Berg said, "probably doubled or tripled what existed before.”

Berg used to come to the Greenway to hike with his dog, Tasha. But on Tuesday, he was there crossing the 10th trail off his list after a short, 20-minute cruise.